Top 10 Starting Points for the Tepla River Walk

The riverside walk is the backbone of the city experience. You can walk the entire length in about an hour. However, most people stop to take photos and drink the mineral water. Here are the top locations to begin your riverside walk in Karlovy Vary for a perfect day.

• Quick pick: Best for families - Dvořák Park
• Quick pick: Best for luxury - Grandhotel Pupp
• Quick pick: Best for history - Mill Colonnade
• Quick pick: Best for views - Imperial Funicular

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the most famous hotel in the city. It marks the southern end of the main promenade. Starting here allows you to walk toward the city center. Best for: Luxury lovers and film fans. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 15-20 minutes to explore the exterior. Cost: Free to walk past. Getting there: Take bus line 2 to the "Lázně I" stop. Tip: Check out the hotel cafe for a world-class cake before you start.
2. Name: Hotel Thermal Type: Modern landmark Why go: This Brutalist building stands at the northern entrance of the spa area. It is a great landmark for those arriving from the train station. It offers a flat path toward the colonnades. Best for: Easy access and film festival vibes. Where: I.P. Pavlova street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main bus terminal. Tip: The outdoor pool nearby offers great views of the valley.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Architectural sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. Starting here puts you right in the middle of the action. You can head north or south from this central point. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Mlýnské nábřeží. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from Hotel Thermal. Tip: Bring a porcelain cup to taste the different mineral springs.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Historic experience Why go: This wooden structure is incredibly delicate and beautiful. It is located near the most famous hot spring. It serves as a central hub for the promenade. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: Tržiště street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located just south of the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Look for the spring named after Emperor Charles IV.
5. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: Natural wonder Why go: This is the hottest and most powerful spring in the city. It is housed in a modern glass building. Starting here ensures you see the city's main attraction first. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Divadelní náměstí. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the very center of the spa zone. Tip: Visit the underground tour to see how stone roses are made.
6. Name: Dvořák Park Type: Nature/Park Why go: This park is lush and green. It provides a peaceful start away from the crowded streets. It is located right next to the river at the start of the colonnades. Best for: Families and relaxation. Where: Near the Sadová Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Next to the Thermal Hotel area. Tip: Sit on a bench and watch the river ducks.
7. Name: Parkhotel Richmond Type: Nature start Why go: This hotel is located in a quiet park at the far end of the city. It is the best starting point for Tepla river promenade if you want peace. The walk from here into town is very scenic. Best for: Quiet walks. Where: Southern outskirts. Time: 45 minutes to walk into town. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus line 2 to the "Richmond" stop. Tip: Visit the Japanese garden located on the hotel grounds.
8. Name: Main Post Office Bridge Type: Local hub Why go: The bridge near the historic post office is a major crossroads. It connects the shopping district with the spa district. It is a very practical place to begin. Best for: Those staying in local apartments. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Most local buses stop at the "Tržnice" hub nearby. Tip: The post office building itself is a masterpiece of architecture.
9. Name: Imperial Funicular Station Type: Viewpoint start Why go: You can take the funicular up for a view and then walk down to the river. This gives you a bird's eye view of the promenade. The walk down is easy on the legs. Best for: Photographers. Where: Near the Theater Square. Time: 10 minutes for the ride. Cost: Small fee for the funicular ticket. Getting there: Walk from the Vřídlo geyser. Tip: Check the schedule at the public transport authority website.
10. Name: Svatoš Rocks Trailhead Type: Day trip Why go: If you want a longer hike, start where the Tepla meets the Ohře river. This path leads toward the famous Svatoš Rocks. It is a more rugged experience than the city walk. Best for: Hikers and active travelers. Where: Western edge of the city. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Local bus to the city outskirts. Tip: Rent a bike to cover this distance more quickly.

Practical Tips for Your River Walking Route

The best time to start your walk is early in the morning. The city is quiet and the light is perfect for photos. Most colonnades open early for those drinking the mineral water. You should wear comfortable walking shoes even though the path is flat. The cobblestones can be slippery when it rains.

You can consult the official tourism board for current event schedules. Sometimes the promenade hosts markets or concerts. These events can make the path more crowded. If you prefer a quiet experience, visit during the weekdays. Weekends often bring many tour groups from Prague.

Public transport is very efficient in Karlovy Vary. You do not need a car to reach any starting point. Most buses run every 15 to 20 minutes. You can buy tickets directly from the driver or via a mobile app. This makes it easy to start at one end and take a bus back from the other.